CNET just posted a review of the new entry-level Mac mini. The review was sort of mixed, but here's the bottom line as they say. "With this $599 model, Apple adds significantly improved Nvidia graphics, a new 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, and a larger hard drive. Those changes are welcome, and we're also impressed by the Mac Mini's power efficiency, as well as its ability to handle multiple programs at once. We still take issue with the Mac Mini's overall value. The Mac Mini remains a distinctive-looking computer and it has more than a few useful features. We can easily imagine it in a light-duty work role. But if your goal for a lower-cost desktop is core hardware bang for the buck, you're better off with a more well-rounded Windows system," writes Justin Yu of CNET.

I always get a little mad when they compare the Mac mini to other entry-level Windows machines, but what are you doing to do? Anyways, CNET gave the new entry-level Mac mini a score of 3.5 out of 5 stars. CNET also posted a review of the new 24" iMac earlier today. You can read that review here if you're interested. It basically came away with the same score as the Mac mini.

I really think 3.5 sounds unfair. I agree, A Mac CAN NOT be compared to a PC, PC's can't run OS X. ...and the 90 day support is fine, statistics always show Mac products are superior to most others, and if you need a longer warranty, AppleCare is offered. ...but for some of us, the warranty might not even matter if we start upgrading the Mini.

I'm so sick of reviews that say a mac is less powerful than wintel box of the same cost. Thats not even the point! Are these reviewers so thick headed that they don't understand that those wintel boxes don't run OS X?

If it doesn't run the same OS why are they comparing it in that aspect? A huge oversight by people that should understand looking at things from all angles. If you want/need to run OS X the more powerful wintel is useless to you!!! Sorry for the rant but these people are clueless.

I bought my first mini in late 2005 and two days later I was already madly in love with Tiger. I, then, swore I would never buy anything but a Mac.

I'm in still love with my OS (Leopard) but I find it hard not to agree with the guy if you strictly consider his hardware comparison. Obviously, 1gb of RAM in 2009 is absolutely ridiculous. More obviously, when you consider how much Apple is selling their RAM, they should be charged with highway robbery. Why do Apple feel the need to rip people off so much is way beyond my understanding.

All things considered, I'm not so sure anymore about never returning to the Dark World._________________iMac 2010, 21.5", 8Gb of RAM

"All things considered, I'm not so sure anymore about never returning to the Dark World."

Although my primary duties at work are OS X and RHEL servers, I also work with the 'dark world' server product line. You're seriously not missing much.

I spent more than 15 years dealing with their shi**y OS so I sort of know what I'm missing.

On the other hand, there's a limit at how much one is willing to get screwed just because he's not willing to risk opening up the little beast, to install decent hardware at a fraction of the cost of what Apple is charging its customers._________________iMac 2010, 21.5", 8Gb of RAM

On the other hand, there's a limit at how much one is willing to get screwed just because he's not willing to risk opening up the little beast, to install decent hardware at a fraction of the cost of what Apple is charging its customers.

For those of you handy with a putty knife, you can start with the $599 model, and head on over to OWC and upgrade your RAM to 4GB, and stick in a fast 320 Gig, 7200rpm drive all for less than $150 in mods, or < $750 total. (I used the Hitachi 7K320 in my white Macbook. I think the mini will take the same drive. It has a little more vibration than the stocker from my Macbook, but it is fast).

That review is very biast towards windows PCs. First of all, they only showed a bottom-line, off the shelf Mac mini with no BTO options. They didn't mention how you can get a 320 GB HD, 4 GB of RAM, and a 2.16 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor (this, by the way, is somewhat similar to the specs of the 2006 iMac.) It's obvious that they support PCs because otherwise they would've given a more of a fair review, and the higher end model with 2 GB memory and a 320 GB HD that's off the shelf for only $200 more.

Mac + OS X + iLife + all the wonderful Mac apps out there = priceless. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it Cnet. I will never go back to Windows. These new Mac minis are the bomb. I just wish that I would have waited for one of them.

I would take a base Mac mini over the highest end PC any day of the week. I have a 1.66 GHz mini that has literally been running 24/7 for over 3 years. Best computer I have ever owned._________________1.66 GHz Mac Mini (Intel)
2.0 GHz 13" MacBook
2.53 GHz 15" MacBook Pro